Camellia japonica 'R.L. Wheeler'
camellia
The large (up to 15cm across) flowers of this evergreen shrub are variable, and they range in colour from mid-pink to carmine-red. Even their shape can vary from open-centred semi-doubles to frilly-centred anemone forms, but most will display at least some (if not all) of their golden stamens. Because no two flowers are exactly the same, it almost looks as though there is more than one shrub growing in its place - and as Camellia japonica 'R.L. Wheeler' eventually forms a good-sized specimen, it's a wonderful addition to the garden in late winter.
How to care for Camellia japonica R.L. Wheeler:
Plant spring-flowering camellias in acidic, humus-rich, moisture-retentive soil with good drainage. Choose a sheltered spot in partial shade, ideally out of cold, drying winds and away from early morning sun, which can scorch flower buds.
Container-grown plants should be potted into ericaceous compost and kept well-watered, especially in dry spells, to prevent bud drop. Ensure good drainage in the pots to avoid waterlogging. Avoid allowing them to dry out in late summer, as this is when flower buds are forming for the following year.
Feed established plants with a balanced liquid (and preferably ericaceous) fertiliser in mid-spring and again in June. Apply an annual top-dressing of leaf mould or shredded bark to help retain moisture and maintain soil acidity. Pruning is generally minimal — after flowering, trim lightly to remove any dead or straggly growth and to maintain a neat shape.
For container plants, insulate pots in winter with bubble wrap or hessian to protect roots from freezing temperatures.
Container-grown plants should be potted into ericaceous compost and kept well-watered, especially in dry spells, to prevent bud drop. Ensure good drainage in the pots to avoid waterlogging. Avoid allowing them to dry out in late summer, as this is when flower buds are forming for the following year.
Feed established plants with a balanced liquid (and preferably ericaceous) fertiliser in mid-spring and again in June. Apply an annual top-dressing of leaf mould or shredded bark to help retain moisture and maintain soil acidity. Pruning is generally minimal — after flowering, trim lightly to remove any dead or straggly growth and to maintain a neat shape.
For container plants, insulate pots in winter with bubble wrap or hessian to protect roots from freezing temperatures.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
4m
Eventual spread:
2.5m
Position:
Light shade
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Humus-rich, moist, well-drained acid soil or ericaceous compost
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
1.5 litre pot
£32.99
In stock
(shipped within 2-3 working days)
(shipped within 2-3 working days)
3 × 1.5 litre pots
£84.99
£28.33 each
In stock
(shipped within 2-3 working days)
(shipped within 2-3 working days)
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